Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. I John 4:1 NKJV
*Don't believe in everything someone says, and don't allow everyone to speak into your life just because it sounds good. Some people are sent to distract you, while others are sent help you. Ask God for wisdom to know the difference between the two.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
*Do you ever have moments where you aren't sure what to do, where to go, whether or not you should get close to someone, or just feel like you need guidance in general? I think we all have thought this way, but there is always a credible source to turn to who is known as the Holy Spirit. This is God's voice guiding us through life. Sometimes we forget to take advantage of this source because we are often trying to figure it out ourselves. If you feel like you should have done something, or if there is an unction of peace that you feel in your heart... That would be God. Also, it's important to note that nothing that the Holy Spirit tells you will go against the word of God. Therefore, get to know His word in order to hear from Him clearly. Then, go for it! Only fear and disobedience can hold you back...
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 ESV
*The thief is always looking to still, kill, and destroy... especially when if comes to our confidence in who we are called to be. He loves to emphasize our mistakes, use people to make you feel bad, or bring up what we lack in order to hinder our confidence. However, unlike people, God never called us to be perfect. He just desires that we have enough humility to be used. We live in a society where people see your flaws before seeing theirs, they set parameters to meet requirements, but praise God that He owns it all and is able to use the weak to prove His power to the strong and haughty. I know I'm not perfect, but I am powerful because I can admit my mistakes, work through them, and still be used by God! What about you?
Matthew 7:15 (ESV)
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
*Just because someone has a word for you, it does not mean they were designed to speak into your life. Sometimes people think they hear from God, but are spewing forth opinions of the flesh; Other times, people are sent on an assignment to throw off your dreams or thought process as you get closer to your blessing. If someone is meant to give you a word from God, He has or will speak to you too. He will also provide confirmation and peace. Always follow that peace, pray, and be honest with yourself when you believe you have encountered a sign or wonder. You often have wisdom on the inside of you to detect whether or not that is the truth. Know the difference between what you are making it out to be, and what God is really saying about person or situation. Sometimes we want things to happen so badly that we are willing to accept any information obtained, even though we are fully aware of the truth. Ask God about words that are spoken and themes that are provided before embracing the cause and information. Also, be careful as to what you say to others. Our fleshly opinions can cause discouragement of a life time. Speak the word only.
As we go into the weekend, let's remember not to just focus on our own lives and those we know or take interest in, but those who need are interest to trickle down at the very least as a prayer in hopes of peace and guidance for Paris...
Philippians 2:4-English Standard Version
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
*Many times we may become tired of being the positive one, the faithful one, the person who cares for others when it feels like others do not care, or maybe you could even be tired of being the only light for Christ in a dark environment. To be honest,it takes a lot of energy to properly be these aspects and more. However, we must hang in there and learn to do things through the strength that Christ provides (Philippians 4:13) rather than our own strength. Your light could be the only one that shines on the truth, and allows someone to make the choice to choose a pathway towards Christ. If we do not give up, we will be rewarded because through all the struggles for Him, He sees and has not forgotten. If you actually pay attention, you will notice that He sends bits of encouragement and people to encourage us if you are within His will and fighting for His cause. However, what is lacking the most is how we treat each other...especially those who are believers. Many of us are so quick to be kind to the world, but treat our brothers and sisters in Christ very harshly. These are people who are still growing in Christ too...People who need your love, strength, and consideration... Not your criticism, judgment, and attitude of "I will deal with you when I feel like it." Notice God points us out for a reason in this verse because He knows we are already going through a lot by being different and living for Him...The last thing we need is to turn against each other when we were meant t be the vessel to strengthen one another. So, as you go about your day, think about your actions for God and how you treat people. Even think on the reason why you do the things you do, and why people do or don't want to be around you. Is it due to standing strong in Christ, or is your flesh getting in the way and causing issues? Do you really exercise the golden rule, or even realize what type of seeds you are sowing based on your words and actions?
John 6:37
37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
*We must have faith that all that God has promised us will come to pass. If we seek God and come to Him about our desires, hurt, concerns, past, or anything that hinders us or even makes us happy, God will listen and assist. He wants to take care of our concerns, and provide us with what we need and want if it lines up with His word. However, we must be willing to come to Him, and allow Him to help us. We then need to act like the Father and not cast individuals away when they need us...So many people want a shoulder to cry on or help, but no one wants to be that shoulder or help one another. We base things off of whether we feel like being bothered. Transparency moment: It hurts to open up to some people you don't want to be bothered with or who hurt you, but I work on being led and ask for strength because although my flesh wants to go off, my Lord may say otherwise. See things for yourself and others through His eyes, and not through the toughness of your own....We are often more critical then God.
